Forget balloon darts and whack-a-mole; at this bush carnival, you’ll find swag throwing, dunny racing, and contestants blowing kangaroo poo out of a straw. This is the Outback Festival, hosted in the tiny western Queensland town of Winton. More than 40 events took place from Tuesday to Saturday, drawing thousands of attendees to what is described as Australia’s quirkiest festival.
“You’ve got to have a real sense of humour to live out here,” Winton Shire Mayor Cathy White said with a laugh. This year marks a milestone for Winton, celebrating 150 years since the town was established. According to Mayor White, this year’s festival was a celebration of the people and unique character of country Queensland.
The Dunny Derby: A Highlight of the Festival
Much like a school reunion, the Outback Festival draws back cohorts of former western Queensland residents. Peter Kelleher, who lived in Winton as a child, has been making the 15-hour journey from Brisbane for the festival ever since. “It’s a great event to come back and see family and friends and just enjoy the country lifestyle,” Mr. Kelleher said.
He had his hopes set on the Dunny Derby, the festival’s highlight event in which teams race each other to carry their loo-strapped jockey through an obstacle course. “It’s been aerodynamically built… there’s a lot more to it than you’d think, a lot of science to it,” Mr. Kelleher explained.
Outback Iron: A Test of Strength and Endurance
The title of becoming the Outback Ironman and Ironwoman is the most coveted prize of the festival. Instead of a run, bike, and swim, athletes compete in a series of challenges: pushing fencing gear, hurdling hay bales, and trekking through a waterhole. Anne Fitzgerald, 17, was one of the youngest competitors. “It was nerve-wracking but I just gave it a go,” she said.
Brodie Hohn and Bohdi Kersh traveled from Townsville just to compete in the egg-throwing competition after claiming bronze at the previous Outback Festival. “It’s intense. It takes two years of practice to get to where we are now,” Mr. Hohn said.
Lifelong Volunteer: The Heart of the Festival
Robyn Stephens has been organizing the Outback Festival since its inception more than 50 years ago. The 78-year-old is still an unstoppable force with the same mission she had at age 24 — to put Winton on the map. “When we started the Outback Festival, it was born on the back of a 10-year drought,” she said.
After parts of the outback suffered devastating flooding in March and April, Ms. Stephens said the festival’s purpose remained much the same.
Ms. Stephens noted that the festival generated about $2 million for the local economy. “People have got to drive through the highways and byways to get to us, so everywhere these people go, there’s always a dollar or two spent,” she explained.
Mayor White emphasized that the festival was a “sugar hit” for the region as it approached the end of the tourism season. “It’ll sustain us hopefully through to the next season,” she said.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Outback Festival
The Outback Festival continues to be a beacon of community spirit and resilience, bringing together locals and visitors alike to celebrate the unique culture of western Queensland. As Winton commemorates its 150th anniversary, the festival stands as a testament to the town’s enduring charm and its people’s indomitable spirit.
With the festival’s success, organizers and participants alike are already looking forward to future editions. The event not only boosts the local economy but also reinforces the cultural tapestry of the region, ensuring that Winton remains a vibrant spot on Australia’s map.
